Dark Chocolate Now The Super Food

Published: Tuesday, February 8, 2011, 17:15 [IST]

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Are you tired of fruit diet? Then start eating dark chocolate for better health benefits. That is what the recent study claims. According to a recent study, dark chocolate has more health benefits than fruit juice. It is thus termed as 'Super food' by scientists.

According to scientists dark chocolate has better health benefits than fruits as research has claimed that chocolates have more health plants compounds and antioxidants and is rich in much more nutritional values. To come to this conclusion, scientists compared cocoa powder with raw ingredients of chocolate with blueberries, cranberries and pomegranates.

The result was that cocoa drinks had more anti-oxidants than fruit juices. This finding of cocoa seeds having more nutritional values than fruits went on to classify them as super fruits. Lets look at some of the health benefits of dark chocolate -

1.Reduce Blood Pressure – A research in University of California has proved that cocoa consumption reduces blood pressure by an average of 5/2 mm Hg. The compound called epicatechin released from cocoa triggers the release of a substance which leads to observing of increased blood flow. It also helps the body to produce nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels. Thus, making dark chocolate the super food.

2.Heart Diseases – Cocoa is a rich source of anti-oxidants which helps in fighting heart diseases and also prevents blood clots, which is one of the major reasos of weak heart. It promotes healthy blood vessels which thus leads to uninterrupted working of the heart.

3.Mood Booster – The elated effect of chocolate to our mood is because of a compund called phenylethylamine. This compund results in the release of the fee-good hormone called serotonin. This lea to treat depression and control mood swings. This magical health benefit of dark chocolate went on to make the super food.

4.Boost Brain Power – Cocoa contains flavanols, which promotes better working of the cerebral blood vessels. Researchers have proved that cocoa helps in boosting brain function by increasing the blood flow in the brain. It also slows the aging process of the brain.

5.Increases Immunity – It is rich in two kinds of flavonoids, Catechins and Epicatechins. The Catechins boosts human immune system and also prevent major chronic ailments.

These health benefits of dark chocolates have made it the super food and a better option than fruit juice.